Atlanta United Shocks Inter Miami in Playoff Upset
By: Joseph Lowery
Date: October 28, 2025, 09:04 AM ET
In an unexpected turn of events, Atlanta United celebrated after eliminating Inter Miami CF from the 2024 MLS postseason, sending star player Lionel Messi packing and marking one of the most significant upsets in American sports history.
This shock result underscores the unpredictable nature of MLS playoffs, where any team can emerge victorious, even against formidable opposition like last year’s record-breaking Miami squad. The league’s structure encourages competitiveness, allowing struggling teams a chance to triumph over the best.
As the postseason unfolds, every remaining team must consider itself a contender for the MLS Cup, while no team can afford to feel invincible.
Here’s a breakdown of various teams’ chances to win the MLS Cup:
Austin FC
Supporters’ Shield standings: 15th
Games played in 2025: 41
Goal differential: -8
Why they could win: Their strong defense could ignite a playoff run. Austin’s defensive setup has proven effective, ranking in the top ten for non-penalty expected goals allowed.
Why they might fail: The team’s attacking setup is unbalanced, with a young player, Owen Wolff, being the primary playmaker, which may hinder their playoff performance.
Charlotte FC
Supporters’ Shield standings: 7th
Games played in 2025: 41
Goal differential: +9
Why they could win: Charlotte boasts top-notch goalkeeping from Kristijan Kahlina, who has delivered outstanding performances, including a record-tying win streak.
Why they might fail: They rely heavily on their goalkeeper. Without sufficient firepower from the rest of the squad, particularly with Pep Biel’s injury, their chances may dwindle.
Chicago Fire
Supporters’ Shield standings: 13th
Games played in 2025: 41
Goal differential: +10
Why they could win: The Fire have found balance in their squad, showing improved defensive capabilities since changing their formation.
Why they might fail: After a loss to Philadelphia in their opening playoff match and with injury concerns for key player Philip Zinckernagel, Chicago’s outlook is grim.
FC Cincinnati
Supporters’ Shield standings: 2nd
Games played in 2025: 44
Goal differential: +12
Why they could win: The talent on Cincinnati’s roster is impressive, featuring stars like Evander, Kévin Denkey, and Brenner, supported by a returning Obinna Nwobodo.
Why they might fail: Their underlying performance metrics suggest they might not be as strong as their record indicates, raising doubts about their long-term playoff viability.
Columbus Crew
Supporters’ Shield standings: 12th
Games played in 2025: 42
Goal differential: +4
Why they could win: Head coach Wilfried Nancy has a proven track record, having previously led the team to an MLS Cup victory.
Why they might fail: Columbus’s defense has deteriorated compared to previous seasons, creating vulnerabilities that might prevent them from claiming another title.
FC Dallas
Supporters’ Shield standings: 16th
Games played in 2025: 39
Goal differential: -6
Why they could win: They’ve turned their season around in the absence of Lucho Acosta, significantly improving their points average following his departure.
Why they might fail: Dallas lacks sufficient talent in their roster to compete against the strongest teams, as evidenced by their playoff loss to Vancouver.
LAFC
Supporters’ Shield standings: 6th
Games played in 2025: 49
Goal differential: +25
Why they could win: LAFC’s attacking duo of Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga is currently on fire, posing a significant threat to any defense.
Why they might fail: They often struggle against teams that deploy a compact defensive strategy, which could be their Achilles’ heel in tight playoff battles.
Inter Miami
Supporters’ Shield standings: 3rd
Games played in 2025: 55
Goal differential: +28
Why they could win: Miami has the potential to reach unparalleled heights compared to other teams in the league.
Why they might fail: They have shown vulnerabilities in their gameplay that could prevent them from showcasing their true potential in critical matches.
Nashville SC
Supporters’ Shield standings: 11th
Games played in 2025: 42
Goal differential: +11
Why they could win: Nashville’s recent U.S. Open Cup win has provided them with confidence and a solid defensive setup.
Why they might fail: Their performance against top teams has been underwhelming, raising concerns about their capabilities in high-stakes situations.
New York City FC
Supporters’ Shield standings: 9th
Games played in 2025: 40
Goal differential: +6
Why they could win: The team excels in ball possession, allowing them to control matches effectively.
Why they might fail: Heavy reliance on Alonso Martínez could become problematic if he is effectively marked out during matches.
Philadelphia Union
Supporters’ Shield standings: 1st
Games played in 2025: 41
Goal differential: +22
Why they could win: The Union have returned to their aggressive playing style, which proved successful in past seasons.
Why they might fail: An ACL injury has left them without key playmaker Quinn Sullivan, possibly hindering their attacking strength.
Portland Timbers
Supporters’ Shield standings: 17th
Games played in 2025: 43
Goal differential: -6
Why they could win: A positive contribution from summer signing Kristoffer Velde has invigorated the team.
Why they might fail: Disappointment from winter signing David Da Costa hampers their attack, leaving them lacking in depth.
San Diego FC
Supporters’ Shield standings: 4th
Games played in 2025: 40
Goal differential: +24
Why they could win: Their play style mirrors that of past successful teams, reflecting a commitment to skilled possession football.
Why they might fail: Competing teams are now adapting strategies to neutralize their tactics, making victory less likely.
Seattle Sounders
Supporters’ Shield standings: 10th
Games played in 2025: 50
Goal differential: +10
Why they could win: Their depth across all positions provides a robust foundation for the playoffs.
Why they might fail: The sheer volume of matches played this season may lead to fatigue as the playoffs progress.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Supporters’ Shield standings: 5th
Games played in 2025: 51
Goal differential: +31
Why they could win: Vancouver has experienced a remarkable season, breaking club records and making league history.
Why they might fail: Increasing injury issues, particularly in defense, pose significant challenges for the postseason.
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